Does Sleep Apnea Go Away?

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be experiencing a range of emotions. Maybe you feel relieved that you finally have an explanation for your symptoms, or excited to put an end to your sleep troubles. Perhaps you have questions about your treatment plan. But possibly the most pressing question is…does sleep apnea go away? Or will you live with sleep apnea forever?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and restarts while asleep. Many people may have sleep apnea without knowing it since it’s responsible for a variety of symptoms that can be chalked up to bad sleep habits or a poor night’s sleep here and there. However, if you suffer from snoring, feeling out of breath upon waking or even insomnia, it may be worth getting checked by a doctor to verify it’s not sleep apnea. Sleep apnea doesn’t just interfere with sleep at night though; the effects can carry over to daytime too. Sleep apnea can cause daytime fatigue, brain fog, inattentiveness and forgetfulness.

There are many different treatment options for sleep apnea depending on type, severity and lifestyle. For mild cases, changes like losing weight, altering sleep positions or quitting smoking can have a significant impact. If you have allergies, treating those with medication can improve sleep apnea. For more severe cases, using an airway pressure machine at night can open the airway and stimulate continuous breathing.

No matter the cause or treatment plan, a diagnosis of sleep apnea can feel overwhelming. Does sleep apnea go away? Will you have to use a breathing machine or sleep in a different position forever? The answer is that while sleep apnea is a chronic condition for most people, successful treatment means it can be kept at bay and will not worsen over time. If you lose weight or stop smoking, sleep apnea can disappear, but if you gain the weight back or begin smoking again, it is likely to return. For more severe cases, medical devices worn at night will alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, but choosing not to use them will bring your breathing problems back. Sleep apnea doesn’t go away, but the great news is that the symptoms will improve and all but disappear with correct treatment!

Do you have sleep apnea? Have breathing difficulties or snoring at night? Feel too tired to think or focus during the day? While sleep apnea won’t go away, the right treatment plan and lifestyle changes can effectively manage your symptoms, giving back the gift of good sleep. At Biltmore ENT, our team of ear, nose and throat specialists look forward to getting your nights (and days) back on track. To schedule an appointment, call (602) 956-1250 or visit our website, BiltmoreENT.com.